Animal Welfare Officer

SALARY: $40000- $45000 annually

POSITION SUMMARY: The Animal Welfare Officer will perform animal care and control work for the City of South Bend. This is a municipal animal law enforcement position and will have the capability of writing citations for violations of Chapter 5 of the South Bend Municipal Code. The work involves patrolling assigned areas of the City and investigating complaints to enforce animal control ordinances and related laws rules and regulations. Animal Welfare Officers complete thorough and accurate reports to document animal and property conditions and violations. The employee is expected to carry out daily assignments including responding to complaints / reports following up on and investigating active cases issuing warnings and citations handling animals in the field and at the shelter and assisting with animal care at the shelter.

An Animal Welfare Officer uses independent judgment and training when taking appropriate actions in dealing with situations occurring in the field. This field position works in a combination of environments including in the field in the shelter facility and in an office. They work extensively with the public and while may handle animals less than other positions there is regular interaction with animals in the field as well as in the shelter. The employee will be expected to investigate and document complaints and at times may appear in court as a witness to animal welfare crimes. Euthanasia is required of this position.

As a leader and employee of the City of South Bend you are called upon to serve in a manner that supports Our Core Values: Excellence Accountability Innovation Inclusion and Empowerment as you carry out our primary employee expectations: Champion Values & Organizational Pride Champion Operational Excellence Make Sound Decisions Embrace Coaching and Accountability Communicate with Excellence Value Diverse People and Perspectives Embrace Personal Development Exhibit a Positive Attitude and Own Your Health Wellness & Safety.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Not applicable.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Respond to and answers complaints regarding nuisance abandoned and neglected animals wild and domestic.
• Pick up confined injured unwanted and deceased animals; captures stray wild and domestic animals.
• Conduct general investigations in cases of animal care and control complaints and/or identified concerns.
• Initiate the set-up procedures for animals brought into the shelter.
• Enforce city state and federal laws regarding animal control and care.
• Utilize electronic devices including iPads to document violations and conditions take pictures complete inspection/investigation reports and track citation history.
• Complete required reports and keep accurate records and files.
• Represent the Department professionally and interact with constituents courteously and knowledgeably.
• Analyze issues and propose solutions to chronic problems.
• Communicate concerns and critical issues to co-workers and supervisors.
• Educate community members about animal care and welfare issues and violations.
• Testify at Animal Welfare Hearings and court when needed.
• Be accessible by handheld radio phone and email throughout the workday.
• Use safety equipment and wear uniform per departmental policy.
• Maintain clean and sanitary equipment vehicles work area and building.
• Feed water and clean up after the animals in the shelter.
• Serve as a backup when needed in the office to clean kennels or attend to animals daily.
• Other duties as assigned.

NON-ESSENTIAL/MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

• Answer phones assist customers and perform other duties and assume other responsibilities as apparent or as assigned.

EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this position successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty in a satisfactory manner. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• High School diploma or GED.
• Minimum three years experience in animal handling and care.
• Or any equivalent combination of education training and experience.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• The purposes and methods of animal care and control programs.
• Effective methods of controlling and containment of domestic animals.
• Demonstrated experience following processes to achieve goals.
• Ability to problem solve and critically think.
• Ability to accurately and systematically collect and track data.
• Ability to research read and understand applicable ordinances statutes and codes.
• Knowledge of existing City and State laws regarding animal welfare is strongly desired.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must have good technology skills and the ability to learn new technologies.
• Must be able to communicate using iPad computers and software.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse populations.
• Knowledge of de-escalation methods; ability to diffuse tense situations.
• Team player with the ability to work in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment.
• Ability to drive a vehicle car and/or truck daily.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions requiring a moderate degree of physical stamina.
• Ability to perform animal control duties efficiently.
• Ability to handle animals safely and effectively.
• Ability to interact courteously and professionally with the public.
• Ability to operate a vehicle safely.
• Background in law enforcement a plus.
• Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

CERTIFICATES LICENSE REGISTRATION:

• Valid drivers license required .
• NACA Certification a plus.
• Euthanasia and/or a Chemical Capture Certificate (must be obtained within six (6) months of hiring).

EQUIPMENT: This employee will be required to operate a computer calculator telephone fax machine copy machine and other general equipment as well as drive a vehicle in completing job tasks.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work is regularly active with periods of heavy exertion. Typical positions require employee to walk or stand for extended periods; lift and carry up to 75 pounds; climb stairs ladders and scaffolding; bend kneel crouch and crawl; reach hold grasp and turn objects; feel the size shape and temperature of items; and use fingers to operate computer or typewriter keyboard. The work requires the ability to speak normally to use normal or aided vision and hearing and to detect odors. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to sit and walk and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk use hands to fingers handle or feel objects tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required in this job include vision and the ability to adjust focus.

UNUSUAL DEMANDS: Employee is subject to work beyond normal scheduled hours weekends and holidays and subject to emergency callback.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is performed in the office field and in outside settings in varying weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate in the office and loud in the Animal Shelter. The entire office is smoke-free.

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in this job description restricts managements right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The City of South Bend is an at will employer.

REQUIRED:

• Pre-Employment Drug Screen
• Employee Background Check
• Valid Driver License
• Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority